The Sierra Nevada is immense. Because of its length, the range encompasses several climatic or life zones.

Generally these are referred to as the foothills, the lower and upper montane, and the subalpine and alpine zones.  Each has their own unique characteristics but they also blend into one another, forming a spectacular mosaic of natural forms.

The lifeforms – flora and fauna – of the Sierra Nevada are remarkably diverse as well.  There are approximately 1200 separate and distinct species of plants and animals in the region.

There are:

220 species of birds
85 species of mammals
27 species of reptiles
26 species of amphibians
38 species of fish
407 species of plants
60 species of fungi and lichens
300 species of insects
30 species of spiders
15 species of crustaceans

and 20 other species that defy categorization